Health Ministry's Tips to Prevent Heat Stroke During Heatwave
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8 May 2024 07:11 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Heat stroke is a severe heat-related illness that occurs when the body’s temperature rises rapidly and the body fails to cool down. As many Southeast Asian countries are currently gripped by a heatwave, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, head of the Indonesian Ministry of Health's Communication and Public Service Bureau, urged the public to be aware of the sun-stroke.
“According to the BMKG, [Indonesia’s] temperature remains normal at around 34 to 36 degrees Celsius. But of course, we are cautious about this heat wave,” Nadia said after the launching event of the hospital-based medical residency program (PPDS) in Jakarta on Monday, May 6.
She explained that people doing outdoor activities during the day are at risk of heat exhaustion. Thus, the ministry has released recommendations on how to prevent stroke during prolonged exposure to heat.
The most crucial thing is to make sure to stay hydrated. “For anyone doing outdoor activities, make sure you are not dehydrated. Drink at least two liters [of water] a day. If possible, drink a glass of water every 1.5 to 2 hours,” Nadia said.
It is also highly suggested to protect the body by wearing a hat or long-sleeved shirt. “And try to do activities in a shady place if the weather is extremely hot. Don't force yourself if the weather is scorching hot. Stop for a moment, maybe half an hour, to take shelter,” she underlined.
Indonesia’s hot weather is not a heatwave
Previously, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed that the hot air in Indonesia over the past few days was not a heat wave. The agency assessed that it was a normal cycle occurring in the same period every year.
However, people are encouraged to minimize their exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every two hours to protect their skin.
ANTARA
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